Winter storms, power outages, gas leaks, flooding – all typical (yet extremely disruptive) events which can affect our lives at any moment, often striking quickly and without warning. Whether the event results in a significant disruption of daily life – for example last October’s Snow Storm in which local residents were moved to nearby shelters, or simply a minor inconvenience, such as a brief power outage, your ability to handle such an event can be greatly improved when simple plans and resources are in place. Being prepared for emergencies is essential at home, school, work and in your community. While it may seem like an overwhelming process, there are many simple, (and yes, inexpensive) items you can have on hand better prepare yourself and your family.

The Township is routinely developing and enhancing its internal emergency response plans, to be best prepared to respond to local emergencies, be they man-made or naturally occurring. In addition, it has actively participated in local and county exercises, addressing such public health issues as smallpox, SARS, mass medication distribution, and most recently, mass vaccination. The Township will continue to evaluate and revise its plans on an annual basis. The West Caldwell Health Department is placing particular emphasis on the enhancement of its Pandemic Influenza Response plans, and will be working with several first responder agencies within the towns served to help ensure a coordinated community effort in the event an influenza pandemic (or other wide-spread disease outbreak) should occur. Click here for several resources about pandemic flu.

The most important thing a person can do is to plan ahead. You cannot bring your pet to a shelter. If you are asked to evacuate, you need to bring your pets with you. You need to start thinking today about where you will take your pets -- ask a dependable friend or relative who lives some distance from the evacuation area if you and/or your pets can stay with them until the all clear is given. An alternative is to find a pet friendly motel. Pet friendly hotels\motel fill fast during emergencies so don't wait! There a number of them listed on the web:

You should have a portable pet carrier for each animal and identification with each animal. Bring copies of the pet's licenses, leashes, water and food bowls, pet foods, bottled water, special medications and instructions for their administration, any special needs for your pet, blankets, handy wipes, paper towels and litter or bedding.